Fondant in winter

Beekeeping - Basics
1

I am wondering how to feed fondant at this time of the year without chilling the bees. Newbie here, and I understand that the fondant goes on top of the frames. That would mean opening up the hive for a few minutes.

I think they have stores for a good while now, but I’m thinking next month they might appreciate a top up.

Winter here has hit and our temps are at freezing during the day and around 23-22f during the night. I’m hoping it won’t last tho.
I’ve put blankets around the hives as well as a top quilt. Seeing no activity or hearing humming is scary!

Thanks in advance.

2

You should be able to hear humming if you put your ear to the side of the box, or better yet use a stethoscope. If you can get a Flir camera you’ll see heat if the clustered colony is alive.

Go ahead and top them up as often as needed, better to have a few die of chill during your brief intrusion than all die of preventable starvation :wink: Just try to do it on least windy/most dry & mild days, in the middle of the day or so with some time left before the temp drops further at night so they have a chance to rewarm the space.

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3

Thank you so much for the advice.
I’ll do as you say when the time comes.

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